Are Your Back Teeth Supposed to Touch?
In a relaxed state, your back teeth are generally not meant to touch. A small space should exist between your upper and lower teeth when your jaw is at rest. This slight separation is a normal and healthy condition.
The Normal Resting Position of Teeth
The ideal, relaxed jaw position involves a small space between the upper and lower back teeth. This gap, often called the “freeway space” or “interocclusal rest space,” typically measures about 2-4 millimeters. This physiological resting position allows jaw muscles to be at their most relaxed length, reducing strain.
In this natural position, the tongue should gently rest on the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth, without pressing against them. Your lips should be gently closed, without tension or forceful effort. This alignment ensures the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect your jaw to your skull, are also in a neutral, unstressed state.
The Importance of a Relaxed Jaw
Maintaining a slight gap between your back teeth and a relaxed jaw is important for oral health and comfort. This relaxed state prevents continuous engagement and fatigue of chewing, speaking, and swallowing muscles. It also protects your teeth from constant friction and wear.
This natural separation helps reduce stress on the temporomandibular joints. Constant tooth contact places undue pressure on the teeth, muscles, and joints. A relaxed jaw contributes to the efficient functioning and longevity of oral structures.
Consequences of Constant Tooth Contact
When back teeth are constantly touching or grinding, problems can arise from undue stress on the dental system. Bruxism, habitual teeth grinding or clenching, often occurs unconsciously during sleep or stressful periods. This persistent contact can lead to excessive tooth wear, resulting in flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth.
Continuous pressure also contributes to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, characterized by pain around the jaw, ear, and temple. Individuals might experience clicking, popping, or grinding noises when moving their jaw, and sometimes limited jaw movement or locking. Headaches, particularly tension headaches, are also frequently linked to jaw clenching and muscle strain.
Beyond tooth damage and jaw discomfort, constant tooth contact can cause tooth sensitivity due to worn enamel. Gum recession may also occur as excessive forces stress the supporting structures of the teeth. These symptoms indicate the jaw and teeth are not maintaining their proper resting space.
When to Consult a Dental Professional
If you experience persistent jaw pain, frequent headaches, or notice a clicking or popping sound in your jaw, consult a dental professional. Difficulty in fully opening or closing your mouth, or jaw locking, also warrants evaluation. Noticeable wear on your teeth, such as flattening or chipping, indicates professional advice is needed.
Chronic teeth clenching or grinding, especially if observed by a partner during sleep, should prompt a visit to the dentist. A dental professional can diagnose symptoms and recommend treatments. These may include night guards to protect teeth, stress management techniques, or orthodontic adjustments to improve bite alignment.